How Strong Are Rivet Nuts?

[Scooter]

Originally Posted by HawgRyder

For weld in bars....you MUST overlay the area with thicker metal to spread the load

So, are you saying that I should not weld the bar in? Must I have the weld in plate that I bolt the roll bar to?

[James Brown]

rivet nuts are great for attaching small parts that are frequently removed to service or to gain access. The bad part is after installing and you tighten down the screw the last turn you put on the screw twists the insert and now the screw and the insert are locked together and you can't get them apart. only choice is to drill them out and start over. Yep, guilty!! screw them. (no pun)

[javadog]

I wouldn't use a Rivnut for this. If you still want to satisfy your curiosity, there are published specs sheets out there that give some actual answers to your question. Here's an example:

http://www.rivet-nut.com/Rivnut_Mechanical_Properties.pdf

You would have to find one like this that is representative of your situation, as that one gives values for installation in .030" sheet and .125" sheet, neither of which may be exactly what you have. No values are given for shear, and you'll have to decide what your own loads are and how they are oriented to the rivnuts.

Or, just weld in a base plate like most people do. I'm not sure what you meant by "I would like to install the front foot pad as low as possible" but you can always shorten the front legs of the roll bar, to compensate for the thickness of a base plate.

JR